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  4. The distinguishing test between methanoic acid and ethanoic acid is

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Q. The distinguishing test between methanoic acid and ethanoic acid is

KCETKCET 2015Aldehydes Ketones and Carboxylic Acids

Solution:

Methanoic acid is unique amongst simple carboxylic acids, since it contains a hydrogen atom instead of an alkyl group (HCOOH). i.e. it contains both an aldeny die group and a carboxyl group.

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So, like aldehyde, methanoic acid reduces Tollen's reagent to shining silver mirror but ethanoic acid does not give this test